Sayani Gupta returns to NYIFF with directorial debut, misses Kalki Koechlin
Synopsis
Eleven years after attending NYIFF as a newcomer alongside Kalki Koechlin for 'Margarita With A Straw', Sayani Gupta is back at the same festival — now as a director. Her nostalgic Instagram note about sharing Kalki's room in 2014 is a rare, candid glimpse into the bonds that shape careers behind the glamour.
Key Takeaways
Sayani Gupta's directorial debut 'Aasmani' premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) in 2025 .
Sayani first attended NYIFF in 2014 as an actor for 'Margarita With A Straw' , directed by Shonali Bose .
She recalled on Instagram Stories that Kalki Koechlin shared her hotel room with her throughout the 2014 festival tour. 'Aasmani' stars veteran actress Revathy and is produced by Sayani Gupta Movies , Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts , and One India Stories . 'Margarita With A Straw' also featured Revathi , Kuljeet Singh , and William Moseley in supporting roles.
Actress Sayani Gupta is back at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) — this time not as a debutant actor, but as a first-time director, with her film 'Aasmani' premiering at the prestigious festival. The return has stirred warm nostalgia, particularly memories of her 2014 visit with actress Kalki Koechlin, when 'Margarita With A Straw' made its NYIFF debut.
A Room, a Festival, and a Fond Memory
More than a decade ago, Sayani attended NYIFF as a relatively new face in Hindi cinema. She recalled on her Instagram Stories that Kalki had generously shared her hotel room throughout the festival tour of 'Margarita With A Straw'. In her own words: 'Last time I was at NYIFF in 2014, Kalki let me stay in her room. She literally shared everything with me for the entire festival tour of Margarita. Best sister/gf to be starting my actor's journey with.'
This time around, Sayani has her own room — and a view. Yet the upgrade has come with a pang of absence. She wrote, 'This time I'm back with my own room. And a view. But gotta say missing Kalki a lot through this. There's a special joy in sharing. A room or a roommate to help you with the saree!'
About 'Margarita With A Straw'
Directed by Shonali Bose and produced in association with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, 'Margarita With A Straw' follows a teenager with cerebral palsy — played by Kalki Koechlin — who moves to the United States for her undergraduate studies and navigates a layered relationship with a blind girl played by Sayani. The film's ensemble also includes Revathi, Kuljeet Singh, and William Moseley.
Sayani's Directorial Debut: 'Aasmani'
Fronted by veteran actress Revathy, 'Aasmani' centres on an elderly woman and her deep, enduring bond with a vintage powder-blue Fiat. The film has been produced by Sayani Gupta Movies, in association with the Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts and One India Stories.
The NYIFF premiere marks a significant milestone for Sayani — transitioning from the festival's acting circuit to its directorial stage. Whether 'Aasmani' charts a wider release path following its New York outing remains to be seen.
Point of View
Not through industry infrastructure. Her transition from festival debutant to festival director at the same event is a neat narrative arc, but the more telling detail is that a decade on, the warmth of a shared hotel room still outweighs the upgrade to a solo room with a view. For a film industry that rarely credits its informal mentorship networks, that candour is worth noting.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sayani Gupta's directorial debut film?
Sayani Gupta's directorial debut is 'Aasmani', a drama fronted by veteran actress Revathy that revolves around an elderly woman's bond with a vintage powder-blue Fiat. The film premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) in 2025.
Why is Sayani Gupta missing Kalki Koechlin at NYIFF?
Sayani Gupta shared on Instagram Stories that during her first NYIFF visit in 2014 for 'Margarita With A Straw', Kalki Koechlin had let her share her hotel room throughout the festival. This time attending as a director, she expressed missing Kalki's company and the joy of that shared experience.
What was 'Margarita With A Straw' about?
'Margarita With A Straw', directed by Shonali Bose and produced with Viacom18 Motion Pictures, follows a teenager with cerebral palsy — played by Kalki Koechlin — who moves to the United States for university and develops a complex relationship with a blind girl played by Sayani Gupta.
Who stars in 'Aasmani' and who produced it?
'Aasmani' stars Revathy in the lead role and is produced by Sayani Gupta Movies, Sumitra Gupta Foundation for Arts, and One India Stories.
When did Sayani Gupta first attend the New York Indian Film Festival?
Sayani Gupta first attended NYIFF in 2014, when 'Margarita With A Straw' premiered at the festival. Her return in 2025 marks her second appearance at the event, now in the capacity of a director.
